Indexes

Benchmark indexes rose to new records today. Jobless claims decreased by 36,000 to 280,000 in the period ended Sept. 13. The pound strengthened for a third day versus the euro, reaching its highest level in two years.

There are two main indexes tracked by commodity tracker funds: The S&P-Goldman Sachs Commodities Index and the Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index. Assessing the likely impact of these passive longs on Comex throws a new light on the record level of Managed Money short positions.

Here we will look at two options strategies that will allow a trader to take a bullish or bearish view on the market with a clearly defined risk vs. reward ratio and a price target calculated using options prices.

The market was as prepared for a taper as it was ever going to be and the decision from the Fed came as a total shock. With markets likely to be choppy until we get further QE-related news, here's how to profit with an iron condor.